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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Does Nick Offerman stand high on his soapbox? Yep. Does the profanity flow freely? Yep. Will some people be offended by his religious thoughts? Probably. Is the book still completely hilarious? Yep.
This book is one part self-help, one part opinion, and one part memoir. Self help - Offerman argues that people will feel much happier and accomplished if they put down their electronic worlds (social media) and develop a hobby in the real world. Opinion - he basically says don’t be a jerk to each other, keep a separation of church and state, and don’t hate love no matter what form it comes in. Memoir - there is an awesomely funny section on mustaches that is not to be missed. This could also be under the self help tab as he gives direction on how to grow the Ron Swanson Stash.
This book is one part self-help, one part opinion, and one part memoir. Self help - Offerman argues that people will feel much happier and accomplished if they put down their electronic worlds (social media) and develop a hobby in the real world. Opinion - he basically says don’t be a jerk to each other, keep a separation of church and state, and don’t hate love no matter what form it comes in. Memoir - there is an awesomely funny section on mustaches that is not to be missed. This could also be under the self help tab as he gives direction on how to grow the Ron Swanson Stash.
Nick Offerman is not Ron Swanson. It is important to understand this if you want to enjoy the book. I had avoided this book because the cover and title made me think that it was going to be a satirical book written in a Ron Swanson-esque manner. It's not. It's an interesting insight to Nick Offerman's life and work as an actor both on stage and on camera. I took this in via the Audiobook, and it was a great choice. Offerman narrates, and as a big fan of his voice and especially his giggle, it was delightful to listen to. And at first, I really liked the content too. Offerman has lead an interesting life and is obviously an intelligent person who values more than just being an actor (go Google 'Offerman Woodshop and look at the portfolio section) and believes a well-rounded person has hobbies. I agree with this, and many of his opinions.
However, this book was a LOT of opinions. I enjoy hearing people talk about their view of the world, and I think it's important to have a set of morals. But I also think it's important for all people to be receptive to ideas outside of their own, and I came away with a bad taste in my mouth that Offerman is a little jaded and forgets that while many things he has to say have merit, they might not be for everyone. It reads less like a memoir and more like a manifesto and can be off-putting at times.
Beyond occasionally irking me for the above, I mostly enjoyed this book. Offerman has a long and colorful personal experience in theater, including Kabuki- a personal favorite of mine - and I enjoyed his descriptions of how much of theater life worked. I also came away with the impression that he adores his wife, Megan Mullaly, in a way that is totally adorable and admirable. There are many bright spots in this book, but equally as many unpleasant ones. It was overall a tolerable read, but I won't seek out his work in the future.
However, this book was a LOT of opinions. I enjoy hearing people talk about their view of the world, and I think it's important to have a set of morals. But I also think it's important for all people to be receptive to ideas outside of their own, and I came away with a bad taste in my mouth that Offerman is a little jaded and forgets that while many things he has to say have merit, they might not be for everyone. It reads less like a memoir and more like a manifesto and can be off-putting at times.
Beyond occasionally irking me for the above, I mostly enjoyed this book. Offerman has a long and colorful personal experience in theater, including Kabuki- a personal favorite of mine - and I enjoyed his descriptions of how much of theater life worked. I also came away with the impression that he adores his wife, Megan Mullaly, in a way that is totally adorable and admirable. There are many bright spots in this book, but equally as many unpleasant ones. It was overall a tolerable read, but I won't seek out his work in the future.
Meh. It's my own fault that I didn't like this book: I wanted to hear from Ron Swanson, but Nick Offerman is a lame theater nerd with bland taste.
An easy listen full of common sense advice and stories about Offerman’s boyhood and rise to fame. I liked the stories he’s tells about farm life, and about meeting and courting his wife, Megan (particularly The Rainbow Song). Offerman also reads the audiobook, and his occasional giggles at funny parts make them even better.
Original review, having read the book, 2 stars: Started funny, then fell off a cliff. Not sure what I expected, but the first few chapters were great, then the rest droned on and overstayed its welcome
Updated review, after having listened to Offerman's reading in the audiobook, 3 stars: Much better as an audiobook, as after all this book is basically written like a long, rambling podcast. It is not a cohesive comedic memoir in the way that Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime" is; rather, it's an amusing list of anecdotes and Ron Swanson-like quotes despite his best efforts to differentiate himself as a person from that character.
Updated review, after having listened to Offerman's reading in the audiobook, 3 stars: Much better as an audiobook, as after all this book is basically written like a long, rambling podcast. It is not a cohesive comedic memoir in the way that Trevor Noah's "Born a Crime" is; rather, it's an amusing list of anecdotes and Ron Swanson-like quotes despite his best efforts to differentiate himself as a person from that character.
A funny mixture of principles for living and personal stories from Nick Offerman.
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Meh.
Sometimes funny. Sometimes interesting. Sometimes sweet. Sometimes preachy. Sometimes trying too hard. Offerman seems like a great guy, but overall just kinda okay.
Sometimes funny. Sometimes interesting. Sometimes sweet. Sometimes preachy. Sometimes trying too hard. Offerman seems like a great guy, but overall just kinda okay.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced